FDOT formally opens U.S. 1's new San Sebastian Bridge

Posted: 4:14 PM, February 22, 2013Updated: 4:14 PM, February 22, 2013

From left to right: Jeff Williams and Sharon Griffiths, both FDOT, St. Augustine Police Chief Loran Leuders, FDOT District Two Secretary Greg Evans, St. Johns County Commissioner Ron Sanchez, Don Davis of Archer Western (contractor), Ron…

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - The newly rebuilt San Sebastian Bridge on U.S. Highway 1 in St. Augustine was officially opened Friday as Florida Department of Transportation, St. Augustine and St. Johns County officials joined in the ribbon cutting.

The $13.5 million replacement of the existing 51-year-old bridge was accelerated and completed in about 18 months to not conflict with the events for the city of St. Augustine's 450th anniversary.

The new four-lane bridge has additional safety measures added, including a 2-foot, 8-inch high barrier wall between the travel lanes and the sidewalk and a designated 4-foot wide bicycle lane.

The new bridge was replaced as vehicles continued to use the old bridge. The travel lanes were reduced in width and traffic was shifted to accommodate the demolition of the old bridge and construction of the new bridge.

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